Harpers launches Think Spirits

The launch on 28 April of Think Spirits will bring together several of Harpers Think events under the one roof, including Think Gin, Think Rum, Think Agave and Think Whisk(e)y, plus the newly launched Think Vodka, at St Mary's Church, London.

Searcys launches no and low somms training initiative

Restaurateur and events caterer Searcys has launched a sommelier training initiative focused on non-alcoholic pairings to match with lunch and dinner menus.

Essex farmer launches first British grown Baijiu

Baijiu, China’s most popular and enduring spirit, has continued its outward march into international markets over the past year with a new London-based spirits body and a global partnership with Pernod Ricard.

Friday Read: The Wild West of cannabis law

Look at any predictions for 2020 and beyond, and odds are that you will see the word ‘cannabis’. Looking back to 2019, a few key things set the tone for the next decade. Constellation Brands led the charge for the gold rush by buying an ever-bigger stake in Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth, with other companies clambering to get a piece of what has been called the next .com bubble.

Maison Chapoutier leaves Mentzendorff for Hatch Mansfield

Maison Chapoutier and Mentzendorff & Co have decided to call time on their 25-year partnership.

Harpers ‘HOT 50’ on-trade survey open for nominations

Once again we are inviting you to have your say ahead of our Harpers HOT 50 on-trade influencers feature, which recognises and celebrates those at the top of their game.

South African rising star joins Justerini & Brooks

Justerini & Brooks has announced an exclusive partnership with ‘new wave’ South African producer, Donovan Rall.

BIVB becomes WSET patron

Educator to the wine industry, The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has new backing in the form of Burgundy’s official wine board.

Hallgarten hosts ‘minerality’ summit and tasting

Importer Hallgarten hosted a multi-media event in London yesterday to explore the subject of 'minerality' in wine. The wide-ranging discussion took place between Hallgarten's head of buying Steve Daniel and journalist Dr Jamie Goode.

Jones closing The Harrow to focus on wine

After 21 years at Michelin-starred wine oasis The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, proprietors Roger and Sue Jones have announced they will take final orders on 28 March 2020.

Former Blue Peter presenter jumps ship to head up Mangrove marketing

Spotlight on 2020: Laure Patry, Pollen Street Social Group

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers looks back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.

Greek winery expands in London on-trade

Greek winery T-Oinos is celebrating new listings at a range of top restaurants in London.

Vinexpo and Comexposium join forces

Leading global wine event organisations Vinexpo and Comexposium are to join forces in a new body.

Bolney wins new listings

Bolney Wine Estate has won new listings at five prestigious venues.

Bibendum reports rise in WSET pass rates following investment

Bibendum has reported a rise in WSET pass rates following a “refreshed investment and approach” to the training.

Ramón Bilbao exceeds sustainability target

Ramón Bilbao has announced it has exceeded targets on its sustainability drive in both its winery and vineyards.

Bodega Argento launches new organic UK off-trade brand

Argentinian producer Bodega Argento has begun the roll-out of its new Artesano de Argento off-trade brand with the release of its Organic Malbec-Cabernet Franc 2018 through Sainsbury’s.

Maximum of 1% of Australia’s total vineyard area damaged by fires to date

Wine Australia has said that, while the “toll on individuals cannot be underestimated and should not be downplayed”, a review of fire maps suggests a maximum of around 1,500ha of vineyards fall within the regions affected by the current bushfires to date.

Xmas high-street sales falter but Majestic and Aldi thrive

Despite mixed results from the BWS sector over the Christmas trading period, some retailers were able to buck the trend.